Local Twins Share Everything Except Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Sisters share the importance of mammograms.

Breast Cancer: Stuff They Never Tell You

Survivors are part of a sisterhood, whether they choose to be or not. And sharing stories – funny, sad, ironic – is what sisters do best.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Hearing the words, "I'm sorry, but it's cancer," comes as a shock to anyone, and I never thought I would hear them that day. I was in my mid-40s, a marathon runner, healthy eater, non-smoker, no family history. The only real risk factor I had was giving birth to my first child after age 30. I cried (hysterically), I went for a long run the next morning, I got a second opinion, I told only a handful of people and I went about my busy life trying not to think about it. I made a list of other women I knew who had fought – or were fighting – this awful disease. In a few moments, I came up with more than 15 names of women in my community, most of whom were right around my age. Clearly, I was not alone…

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3-Day Breast Cancer Walk Goes Through Largo

The Tampa Bay 3-Day walk for breast cancer included stops in Largo on Friday.

The first day of the 60-mile Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk for breast cancer included lunch in Largo's Taylor Park on Friday. Participants then headed toward Gulf Boulevard, with Patch catching up with some walkers and supporters along Walsingham Road.  "Everybody has a story for walking 60 miles," said Malcolm Porter, of Largo, as he handed out bottles of water and gatorade to participants along Walsingham Road. Porter, his wife Forristine and his sister Sheila, of Clearwater, have been helping with the 3-Day walk since 2004. That year, their sister Helen, who had breast cancer, died. So the Porters have been helping ever since, Malcolm Porter said. Stacy Mote, of New Tampa, walked by. It is the sixth time she has participated in the walk. …

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Breast Cancer Survival Stories: Share Yours, Largo

We’d like to hear from area residents (and their loved ones) who have battled breast cancer.

Each year, an estimated 22 women out of 100,000 die in Florida due to breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Thousands more successfully battle the disease. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, Largo Patch would like to take a moment to recognize all women facing this devastating disease. We’d also like to open up our comments section and the photo gallery on this story for women and their families to share their personal experiences. We want to hear about your ups, downs and personal victories. We’d also like to hear your tips for surviving breast cancer. We’d especially like to hear from family members who have stood by their loved ones - whether they won or lost the battle. Have you or a loved one fought …

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Where to Get a Breast Examination in Largo

Early detection of breast cancer through routine exams saves thousands of lives every year. Here's where to go locally.

Studies have shown that early detection of breast cancer improves the chances of a cure. That in itself is the most important reason to make an appointment today for a breast exam or mammogram. Here is a list of some Largo locations that are accredited in mammography by the American College of Radiology: Going for an exam can be nerve-wracking. To better understand the importance of exams, here's helpful information that explains the process, when you should go and why: Breast self-exams There has been a lot of heated debate in the research and medical communities about the usefulness of breast self-exams in detecting breast cancer in the early stages. One cancer research organization has even said it’s a myth. The American Cancer Society’…

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SHARE: Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors in Largo

"Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors" shares the wisdom of breast cancer survivors with the newly diagnosed. What's your story?

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One of the greatest challenges for those who have been newly diagnosed is finding sources of support. Patients are eager for information on everything from enduring surgery and chemotherapy to how to deal with hair loss. Breast cancer is difficult to face alone—for both patients and their loved ones. To help in the battle, there are a number of local resources through Largo Medical and Morton Plant Mease. Best selling author and breast cancer survivor Barbara Delinsky has gathered the wisdom of hundreds of breast cancer survivors who are eager to inspire those who are new to the “breast cancer sisterhood.” She shares all of the stories and tidbits she found in her book "Uplift: Secrets …

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What's Up With the Pink Ambulance in Pinellas County?

Have you spotted the decked-out ambulance? It's Sunstar Paramedics' way of honoring breast cancer awareness month.

Have you spotted a pink ambulance around Pinellas County recently? You're eyes aren't playing tricks on you. The specially decked-out ambulance is roaming the county and parking at various community events all month long in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sunstar Paramedics, the ambulance system for Pinellas County, is dispatching the eye-catching emergency vehicle to events like Race for the Cure at St. Petersburg's Vinoy Park and other local happenings throughout October. The ambulance includes personal dedications to Pinellas residents and Sunstar employees affected by breast cancer. Have you seen the pink ambulance around town? Are you doing something special to recognize breast cancer awareness month in Largo? Post a …

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"Love, Hope & Pizza" at Hungry Howie's in Largo

Get a pizza and help fight breast cancer.

Hungry Howie's is taking action to support breast cancer awareness by partnering with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Hungry Howie’s has raised almost $500,000 for the foundation over the last three years. In this fourth year of the campaign, the goal is to raise more than $250,000. Through the end of October, all large pizzas will be served in bright pink boxes with the breast cancer awareness ribbon instead of the classic yellow boxes. For every large pizza purchased at Florida and Alabama locations, Hungry Howie's will make a donation to NBCF. An additional $1 will also be donated to NBCF when customers purchase Love, Hope & Pizza wristbands, become a new fan on the Hungry Howie’s Facebook page, share a breast cancer story…

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Breast Cancer Support Groups in Largo

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here's a list of local breast cancer support groups.

One in 8 American women and 1 in 1,000 American men will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. It’s estimated that more than 2 million people are diagnosed with breast cancer and fight for their lives each year. Breast cancer is difficult to face alone—for both patients and their loved ones. To help in the battle, there are a number of local resources through Largo Medical and Morton Plant Mease. “Support groups are really beneficial,” says Debra Somerrs Copit, MD, Director of Breast Imaging at Albert Einstein Medical Center, and a member of the medical advisory board for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. “When patients are told they’re sick, it can be an out of body experience and they aren’t taking in everything the doctor is …

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Pink Pumpkins Support Breast Cancer Awareness Efforts

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Look for pink pumpkins at Sweetbay Supermarkets.

Pink bras and pink ribbons have come to represent Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Florida and across the nation. But pink pumpkins? Shoppers can get their gourds on at any Sweetbay Supermarket by picking up an unusually hued pumpkin for $6.99. Don't call them jack o' lanterns. Jill will do. Sweetbay is selling pink pumpkins through October. They are not dyed but a pumpkin variety known as Porcelain Doll. A portion of proceeds from sales will go toward breast cancer research. The supermarket is working with the Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation to organize the sales. Other retailers include Home Depot. Click here to see a complete list of retailers. Area locations include:

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